10 time Mr Universe champion Sazali Samad is proud to make his nation proud, even if it may not always satisfy his taste buds.
The iconic body builder restraints himself from indulging in mouth-watering food, which in this festive season, can be so commonly found and hard to resist.
Indeed, his recipe of success is through his strict diet and hard work, a symbiotic formula that has brought him perpetual success, which includes 6 consecutive Mr Universe titles.
And he has no problem with giving away his dodol, rendang and other raya delicacies to make his country proud – a taste far much sweeter than any delicacies that exists.
“Nobody knows this secret except my closest family members. I would not eat anything on Hari Raya except a bite of plain ketupat without any gravy or rendang.” He said, as quoted by The Malay Mail.
“I also do not touch cookies or lemang. I have been abstaining since 1996, which is the year I started winning the Asian and World Championships.
“It was difficult at first but after all these years, I am used to it. It is a small price to pay for success.
“It has also helped me make my country proud. There is no bigger Raya gift for me than that.”
Sazali, who is also a police officer, plans to enjoy himself with his family before heading back to training to defend his title.
“Maybe I will go for a short holiday in Melbourne in August to relax with the family before competing,
“It is my Raya gift to them, especially my wife (Hashrine Hashim) who has supported my career from the beginning.” He concluded.
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